Unauthorized fee added for waste deposit at Nova Rock 2024

The recent ruling by the Supreme Court (OGH) has determined that the imposition of a “waste deposit” at the Nova Rock Festival in 2024 was illegal. This decision came as a result of a lawsuit filed by the Association for Consumer Information (VKI) on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs against Nova Music Entertainment GmbH, which was successful in challenging the fee.

The controversial “waste deposit” required festival attendees to pay 20 euros upfront, promising a partial refund of 10 euros upon the return of a half-full garbage bag. The remaining 10 euros were classified as a “waste contribution,” regardless of whether attendees generated any waste or not. This fee applied to all visitors, regardless of whether they were carrying backpacks or camping equipment.

The OGH emphasized that waste disposal is an inherent responsibility of the event organizer and cannot be treated as a separate charge. The court deemed this practice as an impermissible add-on service that should not have been levied on attendees.

Furthermore, the OGH criticized the requirement for a minimum fill level of garbage bags to qualify for a partial refund. This rule disadvantaged individuals who produced minimal or no waste, highlighting an unreasonable aspect of the fee structure that lacked a valid justification.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision sets a precedent against the unauthorized imposition of additional fees, emphasizing the duty of event organizers to manage waste disposal as part of their core responsibilities. This ruling serves to protect consumer rights and prevent unjust financial burdens on attendees of such events.